Here, our Summerside dentists explain why your teeth may hurt a bit throughout your Invisalign clear aligners treatment and how you can manage any discomfort or pain that you do experience.
Have you heard that mouth pain or sore teeth are relatively common during treatment with clear aligners? Though this is true, you shouldn’t let it scare you away from this orthodontic treatment option.
Do you remember the last time that you pushed yourself to complete another 10 reps or walk for a little longer than normal and feel a bit sore afterward? This is the same principle. As your teeth move into their prescribed positions to help you straighten your smile, they may feel a bit sore while the aligners do their work.
Today, we will speak with you about any challenges that you may face either during and following your Invisalign treatment and how you can handle the after-effects.
How much will my teeth hurt, and why?
Though not everyone feels soreness or pain during the treatment process, many will; some describe it as a light pressure on their teeth on the first day they switch to a new clear aligner tray.
During treatment with Invisalign, your teeth will move only about .2 millimeters from the first day to the seventh that you wear a new clear aligner tray.
Invisalign trays are made from a smooth ad transparent plastics (with no wires, unlike traditional braces). You may notice a little more adaptability in the plastic used in clear aligners when compared to other plastics, so pain when undergoing Invisalign treatment should be minimally painful. Plus, your clear aligners will be custom-made to fit your smile.
Home Remedies for Invisalign Clear Aligner Pain
If you do feel a bit of pain while your teeth adjust to their new positions, there are some home remedies you can try:
Switch to your new aligners at night.
Since you will be sleeping, night may be one of the best times to switch from one set of clear aligners to the other. This way, your mouth will have the next 8 hours or so to get used to them and any discomfort or tenderness you may experience before you wake up to begin your day.
Use dental wax.
Are your teeth or gums feeling painful as your clear aligners realign your teeth? Dental wax may help. Apply a tiny amount between your teeth and your aligners, or on any areas that are very tender or sore. The wax will act as a cushion on your teeth as they adapt to your aligners.
Rinse with warm salt water.
Sores in your mouth may be soothed by swishing salt water. You only need about half of a teaspoon per 1 cup of warm water.
Try this every few hours for 3 days or so and make sure you diligently brush, floss and practice excellent oral hygiene to make sure you don't irritate any sores with bacteria or plaque.
Eat cold foods.
Some patients report that indulging with a 100% fruit Popsicle or cold ice pop helps their gums to feel better after they switch aligners. Don’t forget to remove your clear aligners before you eat.
Take an over-the-counter pain killer.
If all else fails, over the counter painkillers can be just what you need to help alleviate mouth pain due to a new set of clear aligners.
Apply an ice pack.
Similar to a cold Popsicle, an ice pack, towel moistened with cold water or a cold compress can help to soothe a sore mouth and reduce inflammation.
See your dentist regularly.
One of the most important things that you should keep in mind as your move through your clear aligner treatment is to visit your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings regularly.
Your dentist will check in on your smile, check on your progress, and answer any questions that you may have about whether or not your treatment experience is normal.
Another bonus: clear aligners usually don't require adjustments, so your dentist won't need to tighten them regularly like would be required with traditional braces, which may cause some pain.